Garrett Hoelscher
Music has always been a part of Garrett Hoelscher’s life. Even when he was a young boy, Hoelscher loved to bang on pots and pans. Then, when Garrett Hoelscher entered middle school, he had the opportunity to channel that desire into a structured and organized energy called school band. As a percussionist, this talented young man was responsible for keeping time and ensuring the proper rhythm for the rest of the band. Now in his mid-20s, Garrett Hoelscher believes that his future success in life will come in part due to the many benefits of that early exposure to the art of music.
Garrett Hoelscher says that while not all children will grow up to become famous musicians, every child should be exposed to music from an early age. There have been numerous studies over the last several decades, says Garrett Hoelscher, that point to music as a way to boost brainpower and cognitive reasoning. He believes that children who actively participate in music, whether structured or not, use their brains more than their non-acoustically inclined counterparts. According to Garrett Hoelscher, it is a common misconception that high school band players are smart and therefore they join the band. The reverse is true: children’s intelligence levels tend to rise as they learn an instrument.
Music also teaches many other important lessons, says Garrett Hoelscher. Specifically, the rhythmic aspects associated with music assists children in learning basic mathematical skills, including fractions and number grouping. Scientifically, the principles of acoustics are unknowingly embedded into these children, says Garrett Hoelscher. Additionally, music touches on foreign language, including French, German, and Italian, as there are many common pieces of terminology derived from these languages that are used in everyday musical conversation. In addition to these practical skills, Garrett Hoelscher points out that music and its history also teach about past and present cultures.
Physically, students exposed to playing an instrument early on tend to have superior muscle coordination, improved motor skills, and agility says Garrett Hoelscher. Stringed instruments require the fingers and hands to work together in perfect harmony. The mouth, face, and diaphragm must coordinate for those in the brass section. Concludes Garrett Hoelscher, regardless of which instrument a child is encouraged to play, he or she will learn self-discipline and the art of human expression.
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